CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER – The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF)

The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) was established under the SRIF Act 2006 and is the national Institute for the sugar industry in Fiji. SRIF is responsible for the sugar industry’s research, development, and technology transfer, designed to increase production and productivity while ensuring its profitability and sustainability. SRIF works closely with chief stakeholders of the sugar industry of Fiji and is funded by the Fijian Government, the Fiji Sugar Corporation and the farmers of Fiji.
SRIF’s current agenda is research and development in crop improvement, crop management, crop protection, new farming systems, climate resilience, harvesting, transportation and technology transfer in sugarcane and other cash crops.
SRIF seeks to employ an experienced and dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead and manage the SRIF and its activities. The role reports to the Board of Directors, provides strategic advice and support, and ensures timely implementation of its decisions. The CEO will also ensure that high levels of corporate governance, risk management and human resource management are adopted across the SRIF. Establishing and maintaining linkages with industry stakeholders, growers, and local and international research institutions on strategic issues are also significant to the role, which is based in Lautoka.

Responsibilities and Duties
• Manage the SRIF’s portfolio in line with the objectives of the SRIF and Industry Strategic Plan.
• Provide technical advice and support to industry stakeholders in developing and implementing their policies and programmes.
• Promote and communicate the significance of SRIF’s activities and outcomes and their relevance to attaining the industry’s strategic goals to the government, stakeholders, and growers.
• Maximize benefits to the industry by effectively managing partnerships to achieve recognition of research and technology transfer and attract funding from millers, growers and external agencies for ongoing deliverables.
• Represent SRIF at international and local meetings and conferences, identify and implement strategic partnerships, advocate best practices, increase policy dialogue, and develop and negotiate effective relationships and agreements with international and national stakeholders.
• Direct the SRIF’s capacity-building program and its provision of industry needs for science professionals and work to establish an industry-accredited training program for growers.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills
• A PhD in a scientific field is required. Candidates with in-depth knowledge of the Fijian sugar industry, including its interconnection with other economic sectors, will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in the sugar/agriculture industry, with at least three years of experience in a senior leadership role.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, a results-driven approach, and strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience planning and implementing large projects and programmes related to sugarcane/agriculture research and innovation.
• Proven experience fostering collaboration and effectively managing partnerships with research organisations and networks.
• Proficiency in working with a diverse range of clients, including effectively communicating in one of the local vernacular languages while demonstrating a deep understanding and appreciation of Fiji’s social and cultural norms, is highly desirable.